For Tottenham fans, like myself, it’s been an easy past few weeks. Except for the blip against Everton early on in the month, the Christmas period has been wonderful to say the least! The team has slowly stepped up their game in recent weeks being able to brush pat teams a top four team should! At the start of the season, losing the last 10 minutes was a common occurrence, now against modest teams- Sunderland and Swansea, Spurs are able to hold on in slightly less than a dire panic. Having said that the final 5 minutes and injury time is always traumatic for any spurs fan! It’s funny how 5 minutes can so radically change your entire week!
Back to the game this weekend.
Sunderland fielded a strong team, welcoming back O’Shea from injury and playing probably their best front line! Despite this I still had high hopes for AVB’s side, due to Sunderland’s weak performances of late and innate struggle when it comes to closing games off!
Personally I would have Minone, their goalkeeper, as their man of the match. He performed tirelessly throughout the game stopping a one on one shot from Adebayor and a well struck shot from Defoe after a wonderful Bale dribble! Without him Sunderland would have struggled to maintain the close divide between the teams, as personally I felt that the Tottenham midfield was dominate for large periods of the game- controlling possession and dictating the flow of play! You should judge a keeper on his performances over a season an not one game- take Lloris against Arsenal earlier in the season! But there’s no doubt that Minone has grown into a competent goalkeeper that would get into most premier league teams, bar the top 5 pushing for European football. I’d love to see more of him in the coming years but doubt that he’ll flourish unless bought by a cup challenging club (not meaning to disrespect Sunderland, merely a club with European/ cup expectancies each year).
For large parts of the game we saw a mix match of possession, wing play and the occasional hoof! Both managers had set their teams out in similar styles operating with precision down both flanks. My major disappointment was Adebayor failing to find the net. His behaviour on the pitch shows good intent but if we play 2 strikers it needs to be worthwhile. And in recent weeks, although he makes space and holds up the ball, I feel as though giving Dempsey, Dembele or Siggurdson the chance to play in the behind the striker role would not only rotate the squad but also show us how we can play if we need too.
Tottenham’s substitutions all showed promise. Dempsey slotted right into the game and was comfortable from his inception. Parker provided resilience for the end game when everyone’s legs were slowing. And finally Siggy came on for Bale and showed that he can put in a shift whilst also putting a few passes together. Overall, our squad rotation is surely at its best now than it has been in previous years! We had Bentley on the bench against Milan and Madrid! The passed year has added quality and consistency in every position despite the departure of some of our recent greats!
My man of the match for spurs was Lennon, for three main reasons: effort, consistency and purpose. His role was to put balls in the box, he did that almost every time he went down the wing. He was always available and reliable in his actions (not wasting the ball- a stupid cross field ball for example). He was the model winger and even chipped in with the winning goal, his performance was top quality! And it should also be noted that despite his lack of goals he has proved vital to our recent success, keep up the good work Araon!
Overall the match was thoroughly entertaining and even more pleasurable to see Spurs win again!! Some people asked me to comment on the Bale, does he dive? Situation and I’ve got a neat blog planned for later this week! Look forward to that!
I’m planning on doing weekly transfer talk, but can do more if necessary or the market heats up
-Rob
Be sure to check out our twitter for constant updates and January transfer news! @11wisemonkeys

I think he needs to be pushing into the box and scoring more to cement his place in the history books

The day before Tottenham- Sunderland and I’m more excited than I have been in a while for the last game of 2012. This Christmas period has been pretty good if your a spurs fan, not so much if your an villa fan. With only Man Utd (16) having taken more points over the past six games than Spurs (13). It goes to show that even with the slight hiccup in the Autumn AVB’s team has managed to turn it around with fewer late goals in recent weeks. Personally I see Sunderland as an easy 3 points for Spurs although I would play the team slightly differently to how AVB has been playing it in recent weeks.

For the majority of the Christmas period AVB has preferred to play 2 strikers for most games altering the defence more often than the attack. With Bale missing a few games and the boost of Parker returning I think AVB has played it safe slightly starting with a more common 4-4-2 line up. If i’m not mistaken Dempsey has picked up a slight knock, with Dembelé tweeting that he thinks his injury was very very small with him being able to return to the side for Spurs-Sunderland. Having said that I would aim to rotate the squad as I’m sure a few of the players are getting a tad tired from all this running over the Christmas period. My ideal team would be-

Lloris

Walker-Caulker-Vertonghen-BAE

Sandro-Parker(C)

Lennon-Dembelé-Bale

Defoe

4-2-3-1 (with Dembelé possibly being replaced with Siggurdson due to the high number of games)

I would like to see Parker returning to the starting line up as captain of the side, following two successive substitute appearances in recent weeks. I doubt Sunderland will pose as a big threat to the current Spurs side but having Parker and Sandro in the team allows for one of them to push forward into the opposing half without having to worry about a gap being created behind them for Sessegnon, who has been Sunderlands greatest threat in recent years. After watching the Spurs-Villa it was hard not to notice Sandro’s increased confidence and brazilian first touch that saw him glide past opponents. He is also continuing to show his wonderful ability to track back and cover in any position when it is deemed necessary. I’m hoping that they both play but if AVB wants to continue with his current attacking presence I won’t be disappointed as Adebayor has consistently created space for Defoe and Bale to flourish in front of goal despite his lazy appearance and the constant demand for goals that we as Spurs fans so often desire in a striker.

I’ll leave you with a few stats collected from the world wide web and twitter:

Gareth Bale has equalled his best ever goal total in the Premier League (9) in only 16 appearances

Spurs have lost just once in their last 7 Premier League games against Sunderland

Hopefully they’ll cheer you up a bit.

-Rob

remember to check out our twitter for more constant updates on everything footy @11wisemonkeys

]]>https://11wisemonkeys.wordpress.com/2012/12/28/spurs-vs-sunderland-and-the-christmas-period/feed/0robacollinsAdding some resilience to the midfieldI think he needs to be pushing into the box and scoring more to cement his place in the history booksMy Apology- and a declarationhttps://11wisemonkeys.wordpress.com/2012/12/28/my-apology-and-a-declaration/
https://11wisemonkeys.wordpress.com/2012/12/28/my-apology-and-a-declaration/#respondFri, 28 Dec 2012 22:04:35 +0000http://11wisemonkeys.wordpress.com/?p=105]]>First of all I want to make it clear that I’m sorry for those of you who were reading my blog who believed that I had given up writing about all things footy. I stopped posting in 11 wise monkeys near the beginning of the season due to commitments outside of the blog that required my attention. Now that Autumn and Christmas have come and gone I do hope that over the next few months and hopefully the next year I can return to writing on a daily basis. I can only go from now in my hope of writing frequently in the coming year.

I’ve got some exciting topics planned and I hope that football fans and everyone else who wants to read my blog is able to in the knowledge that the writer on the other side of the computer screen is focused on making this blog a success. See this as an early new years resolution.

Two points out of a possible nine from the first three games. Granted we were against relatively minor teams whom pose less of a threat to us than others but its still not time to start worrying yet. AVB has just come in and we have to give him time to implement his style. The players have to get used to it and the new transfers have to be eased into the team. So lets look at the tactics, think about what we’ve done and all remember that we;re part of one big happy spurs family.

Now I was at White Hart Lane for both home games this season, and for West Brom the crowd were excitable and spurs showed glimpses of some of the best form in years. But for the Norwich game, the team were lacking… Passing was sloppy, no-one was positioned correctly when it was needed, and of course no modrić to save the day with a simple pass to bale every few minutes. Although only 2 new signing were in the team the passing wasn’t fluid and no-one took control of the game. I think our most creative player for most of the first half was Gallas and that tells you something, seeing as who was in our side. But like most defenders when nothings given a good ol thwack up the pitch seems like a good option. No offense Gallas but he should relise, with his experience, that with Defoe as a lone striker thwacking the ball up the pitch is not a good idea. At times Livermore tried to come and collect the ball but he’s no modrić and passes were going astray and rash balls being misplaced. Sandro was strong and confident which was good to see in a CDM but his passes and bold challenges were letting the team down. Vertonghen was classy as per normal and showed glimpses of brilliance. Friedel was amazing keeping spurs in the game that first half. BAE was tired and that showed with the fouls and late challenges. Siggy tried to play balls through and connect the team but having only just joined he didn’t seem comfortable and was clearly no VDV or Modrić. Defoe is not a lone striker no matter what people say, and seeing as we’ve got Ade back AVB should put him on instead. When Bale and Lennon got the ball there was general excitement around the ground and the performed well in the wide role, but with no-one creating they held on to the ball and tried to do it themselves, with little success.

Everything changed in the second half, all because of Dembelé who will easily become a fan favourite if he plays like that! Confidence, a calm head and an eye for goal. AVB got that change right and i feel the reason we we’re lacking in the first half was because of the two holding midfielders. At one point Sandro dropped back into the defence!!! We pretty much had a back five. Thats not spurs. We are known for our attacking fluidity, not for a five at the back parking the bus style. Granted it worked for Chelsea, but that was against Barcelona away not Norwich at home! Not that Redknapp was a football tactic guru but he knew that at home one CDM is all you need, rarely did we see Sandro and Livermore except when holding on to a game in the last few minutes. Admittedly we don’t have Parker at the moment and when he comes back he should play instead of both Sandro and Livermore, for the time being, but he’s no Modrić. He can pass but not like Luka. I’m annoyed spurs didn’t grab Moutinho and have no clue why we didn’t get our man, but we’ve got some creativity in our team. I’m going to put the team that I think should have started against Norwich.

Friedel,

Walker, Gallas, Verthonghen, BAE

Sandro, Dembelé

Lennon, Siggy, Bale

Adebayor

4-2-3-1

Firstly we wouldn’t have lost the ball as much when going for the long ball up front.

Secondly Dembelé is infinitely more creative than Livermore. As shown by the second half performance. Yes, Sandro deserved to go off but I wouldn’t have known that at the start of the game. Dembelé could link up the defence and the attack similarly to Modrić.

I believed putting Hudd on for Defoe was a good idea, as he provided another outlet with his long yet accurate passing. I don’t think he deserved to get sent off, even if he was a bit late, it was not an aggressive tackle and both players went for it.

With the addition of Lloris and Dempsey, I think spurs will begin the improvement next game, but we must give it time. Lloris should be eased into the team, playing cup games then joining in with the league after Christmas when games build up. Friedel continuing for another season. He should be encouraged to learn about the english game from Friedel and then we will have possibly the best keeper in the league.

Redknapp may not have known the ins and outs of tactics but one thing that I noted from his time as manager was the fact that he rarely played both Lennon and Bale for every game. He did for games like this (those we should win) but to be more comfortable he played VDV instead of Lennon. So I’m going to propose a counter formation to the one most people might think we should play.

Friedel (or Lloris)

Walker, Kaboul, Vertonghen, BAE

Parker, Hudd

Dempsey, Dembelé, Bale

Adebayor

4-2-3-1 mainly because AVB likes this formation and it would be more stable whilst also allowing us to have attacking threat.

So no more booing please, I understand your paying so you want to see good football but it will take time to adapt to AVB’s style. Remember we’re all one big happy spurs family

-ROB

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Long-term development or short-term success? Sir Alex Ferguson spent much of last season – as he will this – trying to strike a balance between the United he is managing now and the one he will leave behind. And he almost managed it, had it not been for the dramatic last day. United picked up 89 points last term, nine more than Fergie’s title-winners of the previous season. But now City have got their first title out of the way, with fewer jitters along the way we can surely assume they will be able to pick up the pace this season. Do United have what it takes to compete with them?? They were once the richest team in the world, but now their not even the richest team in Manchester! We expected to see City being the big spenders this year, but with Fergie sticking around for a bit more of the action and with some new key signings the battle is on.

Transfers

I expected to see City being the buying team this window and United to be more focused on building for the future, but I have to admit I was wrong, with the reds splashing out nearly £25 million for a single player. Is their spending worth it?? Lets take some time to analyse the additions to the reds squad.

RVP, who would win the elusive battle for the signature for the Premier League’s top scorer?? Well we found out 2 weeks ago when United unveiled their newest addition. Fergie stated that he doesn’t want to lose the title on goal difference and this year his team will be out to score not only more goals than the opposition but more goals than their rivals in every game. RVP would look like the perfect buy, goals, goals and more goals but Arsenal fans will tell you that this has come at a cost. Over the past few years he spent at Arsenal RVP only had one perfect year. The rest were plagued by injury and bad form. Is that a sign of things to come?? Will he be able to replicate last season?? Can he play with Rooney?? Fergie will be hoping so, and Mancini will definitely be praying he doesn’t.

Kagawa, the Japanese play maker who was key to Dortmund winning the Bundesliga. Now he has a new task, an even greater challenge, snatch the title back from United’s unwanted neighbours. Fergie will be wanting Kagawa to pull the strings in the centre of midfield playing just infront of the others in midfield and just behind the strikers. Knowing Fergie Kagawa will have his work cut out, and if the reds manager chooses to play two strikers then Kagawa will have to be a midfielder and do his fair share of defending as well, something he has no proven track record in. But when it comes to goals and shooting from outside the box, Kagawa is a man with a mission, he can score, pass, and has the football brain needed to change games. He has only done it in the Bundesliga though, but it’s a risk you’ve got to take if your Ferguson because you want that title back.

Powell is an 18 year old, joining from Crewe Alexandra, for the League 2 side he played in the striker role- scoring 14 goals in 55 appearances. His record seems good, but with no proven record Fergie will be hoping he grow into the team. Having hinted he will be moulded into a midfielder. But I haven’t seen him play so I can’t judge the youngster yet, i’ll have to wait to make my decision.

Currently the only departures from United have been Owen (who ran out of contract) and Park who has joined QPR. Both players served the club well but with new additions and the direction of the club they would merely restrict a place in the starting 11 for someone else. So they will both move on and probably continue to play football.

United’s Tactics

Plan A: The trusty 4-4-2 has never served Fergie wrong over the years, but with the evolving game he may choose to switch it out over the course of the year. And with one of the strongest attacking line ups in the league he can rotate in attack without any dip in quality.

Plan B: Fergie has always been a tactical magpie and will have noted the current Barca-led trend for 3 man midfields and fluid high-pressing frontlines. With the addition of Kagawa and RVP Fergie should be able to implement this style with no troubles but will this effect any of the older players who can no longer get into the team.

Formation Preview

4-4-1-1

De Gea

Smalling, Ferdinand, Vidic (C), Evra

Nani, Cleverly, Carrick, Young

Kagawa/RVP

Rooney

Note: A variation of Fergie’s 4-4-2 with a midfield 3 of Cleverly, Carrick and Kagawa. This could turn into a 4-3-3 formation very easily.

Lessons From Last Season

Similarly to City United will aim to get ahead in all off their games. United won a staggering 23 out of 24 games in which they led at half-time last season.

Verdict

There’s no doubt Fergie’s men will be up their challenging with the big boys but are City just too good now. Has this signaled an end to the Fergie era??? Will he ever be able to win that last trophy?? Or has he already won it???

-Rob

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How do you top a season where you won your first league title in 44 years with the last kick whilst simultaneously depriving your city rivals??? I don’t think it can get much better than that for the blue half of Manchester. Yet thats the challenge for Roberto Mancini this year, he must repeat his success in the league whilst providing a threat in the Champions League. But if City can show the same tactical class and strength required to win the Premier League, then you can be sure they will be up at the top of the league table when it matters.

Transfers

Following on from last year, this has been a mundane transfer window for City. With their red rivals spending this transfer window to ensure they continue to challenge, City have been more relaxed in their approach. With no big signings to show for it. They have, however, had some activity this summer so I’ll take a look at that and their proposed signings that may or may not happen.

Rodwell joining from the blue half of Merseyside was a sudden signing that I don’t think many people would have expected. City were probably spurred into the signing by the injury that Barry picked up in pre-season. Even though the signing may have appeared rash, the young englishman shows lots of promise with consistent performances for Everton last season. City fans will be excited by the prospect of the youngster growing into the team in the future, but whether or not he will get a regular place in the starting line up proves daunting. If Mancini can allow Rodwell more game time, than Johnson who appears to want to leave City, then he will be able to utilise and nurture him into the team and build for the City team of the future.

With no other signings, that I know off….. (please update me if there are). Then I will simply touch on the fact that Scott Sinclair may sign from Swansea in the last week of the window. He has always been an interesting player for me to watch, with both moments of brilliance and moments of hopelessness. City may have the same problem with Sinclair as Johnson but as long as he gets a decent amount of game time then he may be able to flourish at a higher level of football. Even though some may say he already got his chance at Chelsea before being released. Second time lucky eh???

Manchester City’s Tactics

Plan A: City will aim to keep things tight in the first half before putting pressure around the opposing team’s box. Fact: City scored 66% of their goals in 2011/12 from the 50th minute onwards; only 7% came in the first 20 minutes.

Plan B: If the original approach doesn’t work, which we rarely encountered last season, then Mancini can unleash Yaya Toure further up the pitch and we may see him cannonball some shots into the back of the net. Simple but brutally effective, the only problem Mancini may face is when the Ivorian has to go for national duty in the African Cup of Nations.

Formation Preview

Hart

Richards, Komapany (C), Lescott, Clichy

Toure, Rodwell

Silva, Nasri

Tevez, Aguero

Note: Mancini may play with one striker, Balotelli or Dzeko, and then play 3 players behind them.

Lessons From Last Season

Other teams should never count City out. With 10 stoppage time goals last term- the most in the division, four more than Arsenal- the Citizens have shown a knack for grabbing points late on. Just like the Manchester United of old, some might say.

Verdict

The strong and settled squad should have fewer title race jitters, this should make Mancini’s men hot favourites to retain the title and possibly go far in Europe.

]]>https://11wisemonkeys.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/manchester-city-team-preview-201213/feed/0robacollinsOut With The Old In With The New, Save The Sentiment Spurshttps://11wisemonkeys.wordpress.com/2012/08/22/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-save-the-sentiment-spurs/
https://11wisemonkeys.wordpress.com/2012/08/22/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-save-the-sentiment-spurs/#respondWed, 22 Aug 2012 13:37:23 +0000http://11wisemonkeys.wordpress.com/?p=76]]>

The season got underway last weekend with Spurs suffering a disappointing 2-1 loss to Newcastle. However, the result didn’t seem to go our way the tactics that AVB began to implement in the opening game showed promise with most players being comfortable pressing high up the pitch and playing a free flowing attacking line. Bale seemed to relish the opportunity of cutting inside a little more often and Lennon appeared to have more targets in the box whenever he skinned a defender and looked to put the ball in the box. We also got to see Siggy make his debut and even though no wonder goals as we were promised he looks to play a big part in AVB’s plans. His playing style seemed to suit the middle of an attacking four, just behind the striker, and it makes me wonder whether Modric could have played in that position. Having said that Siggy looks like he can link up the midfield and attack whilst also dropping deep to collect the ball from our defence. Added to the prospect of him scoring some absolute beauties this season he looks super exciting and I can’t wait to see him at the Lane for his home debut. One doubt I do have, however, is that he appears similar to Hudd….. Perhaps thats just me but it links nicely to my next paragraph.

Part of AVB’s plan is to do a small overhaul of the Spurs squad. Just shoving some of the old guard to the back of the pecking order, like he did at Chelsea, wouldn’t really have worked. The players would have become agitated as to not getting regular first team football and thus we would have the same problem as Chelsea, only with less money…

The clear out kinda started yesterday with Bassong agreeing to move to Norwich, for an undisclosed fee- believed to be up to £5 million, pretty good for a player who never reached his potential despite helping Spurs in the Champions League. He never really jelled with the team and as a result had good and bad games. One minute he performed a wonderful goal saving tackle the next he would be two yards behind a striker who had turned him. So all the best and thanks for everything but you just lacked something at Spurs.

Now onto Huddlestone, barring his injuy he was key to helping us securing and playing Champions League football in the past few seasons. He gave us an outlet and was wonderful at picking out Bale and Lennon when all other outlets were closed. One minute we would be in trouble, pass it to Hudd, and then we were suddenly breaking. Admittedly he had his flaws, his pace, slow turning circle but his keen attitude and bullet shots make up for them. Having played for Spurs since 2005 its kinda sad to see the news headlines saying Hudd’s on his way to Stoke… Looking at AVB and our current group of players, Hudd doesn’t quite fit, however much I play around with it in my head. I don’t think he’d suit the fast attacking football and the high pressure game AVB has in mind. Especially after coming back from a season out with injury. All I want to say is thanks Hudd, you’ll do brilliantly well at Stoke- pinging the ball all over the pitch. And I’ve got to remember its only a loan!! One season and he could be back at the lane, or even in January if the club decide to recall him back to the squad. Nether the less he will be missed, I’ve spoken to a few fans and we all agree he had something few others had. No doubt he’ll go on to do great things, whether with Tottenham or without, and at least his first game for Stoke will be Arsenal!!! Tear them apart Hudd, we all know you’ve got the pace to do it

And finally I come to Dawson. When we needed a leader he was there, when no one tried and everyone didn’t want to wear the shirt Daws was always there. Helping the team through, and why, because he learnt to defend and to lead from the best, Ledley King. With those two in the centre of Tottenham’s defence we were a force to be reckoned with. He was never the fastest in defence yet he learned from Ledley that pace wasn’t everything, and also went on to captain our side for long periods of time. Injurys plagued his career and although we had long periods of awesome dawson, we also had long periods without. Causing us to buy Gallas and Nelson, I must add both are very good at reading the game despite their lack of pace. So again another play I admire for being a Spurs legend. I can’t mention everything but I did enjoy watching Dawson, if for the occasional thwack up the pitch to Crouchy, ok admitted it was more than an occasional thwack. But he played with intelligence learned for the King and continued improving every game saving us on a few occasions. I was also proud to call him our captain because of the way he wore the shirt. A Spurs legend despite the lack of trophies and continued disappointment, joined the same year as Hudd, but not leaving as a lone, leaving for good. Bye Daws and thanks, i’ll continue to follow your career and hopefully we’ll see success for England??? Future captain?? Who knows?? I’ll let you off for leaving for another London club cause of the attitude you’ve always shown to Spurs. He arrived a youngster, leaves a veteran plagued with injuries, at least we had one good Champions League run with you!

So AVB is he doing it right, or wrong??? Well we’ll have to wait and see! But its definitely going to be exciting- with expectations higher than ever it’ll be great to see some new faces at the Lane, Vertonghen and Siggy. If all Spurs fans are as excited as me the atmosphere will be electric in our wonderful little stadium! All eyes are on AVB now, lets hope he can produce. Oh and Modric, either go and let us have the money or play and play better than ever before. Thanks Rob!

-Rob

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How do you overview a team which both celebrated silverware and experienced disaster in the same season. The Reds won the League Cup and reached the FA Cup Final. They still have a selection of top European players: Gerrad, Reina, Suarez. But last time out they lacked the quality and consistency in the Premier League and with £20 million Stewart Downing rewarding the club with zero goals and assists. However, this time out Liverpool will have a point to prove, the new man in charge will want to play a new brand of football and return the club to Champions League spots. Will they be able to do it??

The New Boss

Brendan Rodgers will be quick to implement his passing style into Liverpool and if he is able to replicate his tikkatikka football that we saw at Swansea last year then Liverpool will be an exciting prospect because of the higher calibre player they currently have. Rodgers has been quick to get the club’s restless fans onside in a way that Roy Hodgson failed to. But how do you follow a king, one whose sacking has divided fans despite overseeing Liverpool’s worst season since relagationin 1954? That’s the challenge faced by Brendan Rodgers plucked from last season’s surprise package Swansea to succeed ‘King’ Kenny Dalglish. He’ll need time to implement his style correctly, but time is a commodity that has been lacking at Anfield of late.

Transfers

After last seasons rash signings what could we expect from a Liverpool side aiming for a top four spot. Well they were still active in the transfer window but will their signings this season be better than previous campaigns.

Borini, an italian striker who spent last season on loan at Roma playing 24 games and scoring 9 goals. Liverpool fans will be hoping he is as solid as Suarez up front or perhaps able to recreate Torres of a few seasons ago. He played under Rodgers when Swansea were a Championship side playing 9 games and scoring 6 goals. He should be quick to adapt to Rodgers’ playing style with which he can play up top or out on the wings.

Joe Allen, one of the clogs helping Swansea tick along last season. Following Rodgers from Swansea, should seem to be a good signing but in Liverpool’s already packed midfield he will have to make way to fit Allen in. For myself, Allen would start above the likes of Shelvey and Spearing but when things aren’t going Liverpool’s way Rodgers may resort to a more aggressive midfield.

Although Aquilani looked set to return to Liverpool, featuring in their preseason games, he was transferred to Florentina for an undisclosed fee.

Liverpool’s Tactics

Plan A: Their first tactic will be to replicate Rodger’s tikkatikka football we enjoyed when he was manager of Swansea, based on patient possession and passing the ball out of defence. The experienced players in the squad should be happy with this approach but will Liverpool get the goals they lacked last season. Only 47 in 38 games, Rodgers will hope that the attacking players respond to the new style, although Swansea were still fairly pragmatic.

Plan B: Liverpool still have Carroll, so Rodgers can always resort to the long ball forward if things aren’t going Liverpool’s way. Fact: Andy Carroll won 64% of aerial duels last season more than any other striker last season. And even a short-passing ideologue like Rodgers will be happy with a scrappy winner from the big Geordie.

Formation Preview

4-3-2-1

Reina

Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Enrique

Lucas, Gerrard (C), Allen

Downing, Borini

Suarez

Note: The front three would be interchangeable to suit the opponent. And the middle three would have no set role (not to tackle everyone), simply to start attacks and keep hold of possession.

Lessons From Last Season

Don’t lose hope with the new style that Rodgers tries to bring in, and if the midfield can stay fit they’ll have no trouble fitting in to the “Swansea” mould.

Verdict

Liverpool should see improvement under Rodgers, but like all new managers he will need time to build a squad to suit his style and challenge for the top four. Liverpool fans shouldn’t expect an immediate return to Champions League football, give the man some time.

-Rob

If you liked this blog why not check out some of the other team previews, maybe for your teams opponents next week or for new transfers.

Another slow burning season that ended with a bang, Fulham finishing with 5 wins in their last 8 games, this meant that Fulham secured a ninth place finish. Though this left the Craven Cottage faithful wondering what might have been- could Fulham have been challenging for a Champions League place?? With the loss of a few players over the summer, Jol will be hoping they are able to continue their fine form showed at the end of last season into the new campaign. For onlookers Fulham appear to be a sensibly run club with equally sensible fans, no shirts off antics, whom are content with a top half finish. Or are they???

Transfers

When running through my key points to talk about with Fulham, the transfers to and from the club over the summer prove to be surprisingly intriguing. With the loss of Danny Murphy in the centre of midfield the fans are baffled as no player in the current squad seems ready to put on the boots of the 35 year old captain. While the snub by on-loan target man Pavel Pogrebnyak, leaves Jol seeking a new target man. Did Jol find his man? or will he have to change tactics and go for a different approach in the coming season??

Rodallega is arriving from Wigan Athletic this summer, he may not seem to fill in any of the roles needed for the dutch manager but he has proved that where ever he plays he performs consistent attacking football, even chipping in with a few goals here and there. He also adds plenty of Premier League experience, Fulham fans will be questioning this logic, but each year Rodallega has helped Wigan stay up, whilst also playing a high risk attacking style of football. If Jol gives him the chance to fit into the team and play on a regular basis we may see Rodallega being of the signings of the season with relatively small risk of going down he will be able to play more openly. This may see Rodallega shine in the coming season.

Petric, well he scored 2 goals on his debut this weekend so surely that will put to sleep any doubters. The Croation is not only a goal scorer but noticeably skill full, in the opening game he was combining well with Dembele and Ruiz. They appeared comfortable when pushing high up the pitch and this seamless play was as though they had being playing together for years. If the Croation can continue to keep up his good form and is able to miss out the early Premier League worry that some players have then Fulham will have no trouble forgetting that Pogrebnyak left only a few months earlier. It was, however, only against Norwich can he hold onto his good form against the stronger teams in the division, only time will tell??

As of the time I’m writing this blog Dempsey is still a Fulham player, so I cannot debate whether he is a terrible loss to the team. He is 29 and ever more demanding of Champions League football and playing some of the best football of his career Fulham may be wise to cash in on the talismanic Texan as he only has 12 months left on his contract. Hopefully, i’ll be doing a transfer update at the end of the window and I can discuss this topic in more depth then.

Fulham’s Tactics

Plan A: Although the two previous managers at Craven Cottage preferred to use a 4-4-2 formation, Jol likes to use 4-2-3-1 as it gives Dempsey license to push into the box, where he seems most effective. Should Dempsey depart I can see Jol using Rodallega or Dembele in this role both players being given the freedom to create attacks and move around the pitch. Fact: Hangeland was one of just two top flight outfield players to play every minute of league football last season. Jol will be hoping his main man in defence can continue this run of games into the new season and no richer clubs come calling for their strong centre back.

Plan B: As with last season Jol can always resort to the pinpoint crossing of Damien Duff to swiftly get the ball into the box. The Dutchman calls the irishman “his Arjen Robben” and when thinks aren’t going well it is clear Jol will call upon his consistent winger. I can see Fulham using a standard 4-4-2 formation as backup but with Johnson and Pogrebnyak having left they may struggle to find two clear cut strikers.

Formation Preview

Schwarzer (C)

Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise

Diarra, Sidwell

Ruiz, Dembele, Duff

Petric

Note: this is assuming Dempsey leaves, otherwise Dembele would drop back to a deeeper role and the central 2 would need to alternate for consistency.

Lessons From Last Season

Keep it clean. The lack of suspensions was no doubt a contributing factor to their successful campaign, with Fulham the only Premier League team not to have a man sent off! Jol will be hoping for more of the same in the coming season.

Verdict

With the new signings Fulham can only hope to acheive greater things this year. Fulham fans will be hoping for a cup run, and with no Europa League distractions a quick return to European football. But will they cope with the loss of Danny Murphy??? I think a top half finish for the London club, but its hard to predict whether they will achieve a European place.

During the Euro 2012 David Moyes was asked as a pundit whether he was using the tournament to scout for new signings. “I’ll have to see if there’s any money first” came the Everton manager’s telling reply. At the same time he was also heavily linked with the vacant Spurs job but Toffees fans will be glad they’ve still got their man- who has stayed with the club on an ever thinning shoe-string over the past 10 years. So the funds may not be available but with a few players leaving and a few players coming in it is clear that Moyes’ intention is to keep Everton challenging for both Europe and possibly the top four. Having just watched them clinch a 1-0 win over Manchester United, Everton are already showing the signs of challenging for every single game. There key man Marouane Fellaini did his job perfectly and Everton fans can only hope this was a sign of what is to come.

Transfers

However, low on money the transfers in and out of the Merseyside club are always intriguing every time the window opens. The club have a tendancy to lose players to the richer clubs in the league but they are always vocal in the window and manage to snatch a few bargins underneath everyones noses. With the likes of skipper Tim Cahill leaving for America and Jack Rodwell being drawn to the wages and silverware prospect of Manchester City you could see Everton go into a shell, trying to protect what they have left.

Pienaar, some may say he never left Everton, and in essence he didn’t…. He never truely settled at Spurs and constantly had the pressure of recreating his best form all the time. But when he went back to Everton on various loans, the Evertonian style of play helped him recapture some of his best form in the final third of last season. This year, with his return to the squad full time, Moyes will continue to utilise the South Africans free flowing attacking football to undo opponents throughout this season. If he can stay fit and in form then Everton will have a strong attack threat that is unlike most they already have.

Steven Naismith, the former strike partner of Jelavic when they played together at Rangers. They together produced some of the best football in the SPL the few years ago they played together. If he can match Jelavic’s Premier League scoring record- who was Everton’s top scorer with 9 goals last season, then it is likely that Everton will continue to compete for the European places and push harder on the top of the pack.

Now, this may appear aggravating for Everton fans but I must touch on the departure of Jack Rodwell (I’ll focus on him more in the Man City Team Preview). This was set to be his year, pushing his way into the squad on a regular basis and putting in a high level of performance whenever called upon. Although his departure saw a decent amount of money come in through the transfer, it also leaves a small gap within the centre of the youth in Everton. The loss of Rodwell will probably spur Moyes to call on some of his other youngsters to come of age quickly and solidify the team, such as Ross Barkley and Seamus Coleman.

Everton’s Tactics

Plan A: To utilise Jelavic and Naismith as strike partners, will be key for Everton who are relatively stable in defence. If Moyes continues to use the same system as last season we will see Everton playing a 4-4-1-1 formation with wide players tucked in, allowing full-backs to provide the width. It was also noticeable in the first game, against United, that Fellaini will prove key to Everton’s success this season. Though he did concede the second highest amount of fouls- 88, second only to Grant Holt (Norwich) which could prove costly if there key man is suspended from playing for certain games.

Plan B: Returning to a solid 4-4-2 formation will be plan B whilst allowing their two front men the freedom to play. Will their parnership prove as productive in the Premier League??? We’ll have to wait and see.

Formation Preview

Howard

Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines

Osman, Gibson, Neville (C) , Pienaar

Fellaini

Jelavic

Notes: I would assume Pienaar would be the one to make way for Naismith, then Fellaini would move back into midfield. This would turn it into a 4-4-2 formation.

Lessons From Last Season

I think most Everton fans would agree that Everton need to come out of the blocks faster than previous campaigns. Last season Everton won only 3 of their first 10 games, at stat which Moyes will be hoping to improve on in the coming campaign. There nine match unbeaten run at the end of last season saw them finish about Liverpool for only the second time in 25 years. This will give Evertonians and Moyes some courage for the coming season but its still clear Everton need to start fast.

Verdict

A summer where Moyes was linked away from Everton, will he still have the motivation to work with Everton on the shoe-string budget?? Everton fans will hope so. But like most seasons Everton will be in the top half of the table and could even be surprise to reach the top four.